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Leeds United have started the 2018/19 Championship campaign exceptionally, picking up 14 points from their opening six league fixtures of the season and sitting joint top of the division with fellow unbeaten side Middlesbrough.
What’s the issue?
Marcelo Bielsa’s side have excelled this season thus far, but some question marks still remain over the goalkeeping situation at Elland Road.
Whilst Bailey Peacock-Farrell has only conceded four goals in the opening six matches of the campaign, a number of mistakes by the shot stopper have come close to costing Leeds the position they find themselves in today.
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Peacock-Farrell was at fault for Derby County’s goal earlier this season and could arguably have done better with first goal at the Liberty Stadium.
There is no question that the 21-year-old is a talented player with a bright future ahead of him, but the signing of a reliant pair of hands between the sticks might just be enough to get Leeds United through the business end of the season, and into the Premier League for the first time since 2004.
What can Tom Heaton bring to Elland Road?
Tom Heaton started last season as Burnley’s number one shot stopper, but following a severe dislocated shoulder injury, he spent the majority of the Premier League campaign on the touchlines, making just four appearances.
Replacement goalie Nick Pope excelled between the sticks at Turf Moor, guiding the Clarets to European football for the first time in 51 years and securing his place in the Burnley starting lineup.
After an injury to Pope, Sean Dyche’s side acquired fellow England international Joe Hart, meaning Tom Heaton now finds himself vying for places against two top goalkeepers.
As a result, Heaton may struggle for game time this season, and could benefit from a spell out on loan from January, when Pope is expected to return.
Leeds United could offer the three-cap Englishman first team football and potentially success, whilst the Whites would be acquiring a goalkeeper of international experience to help guide them through the toughest stage of the Championship season.